CENTENNIAL, Colo. -- Brace yourself Broncos fans.
Denver arrives at a crossroads this season with poor timing. The Broncos (6-3) travel to New Orleans with the increasing likelihood star cornerback Aqib Talib will sit out his third consecutive game with a back injury. Talib continues to make progress with the disc/lumbar issue after receiving a pain injection from noted Dr. Robert Watkins in Los Angeles last week. Watkins has helped numerous athletes, including former Rockies all-star Todd Helton.
However, the feeling is he could use more time to recover, following a roadmap established by outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware last season. Missing this week plus the bye would provide a month off. With Talib out, the Broncos struggled at Oakland. Bradley Roby played the worst game of his career after playing his best in a victory over San Diego.
The Broncos received good news with defensive end Derek Wolfe. Wolfe told Denver7 on Wednesday that he is eyeing Nov. 27 for his return after suffering a hairline fracture in his right elbow. Wolfe said he was already dealing with a slight bone chip issue with his elbow before the Raiders game. He injured it when his arm got caught on a lineman and pushed awkwardly forward. He needs the fracture to close, and the tendon around it to heal.
"This stuff happens all the time when you play in there," Wolfe said. "I can't give a specific date, but I am am optimistic I can be back (for Chiefs game). It just needs some time."
Wolfe will immobilize the arm as much as possible and said he will wear a brace when he returns.
Linebacker Brandon Marshall told Denver7 he feels better this week with his strained left hamstring. He suffered a slight setback against Oakland, but was able to practice on a limited basis Wednesday.
"It feels pretty good," he said.
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